The spelling of "were current" is straightforward, but the pronunciation can be confusing. "Were" is pronounced /wɜr/ with a schwa sound in the first syllable and a slightly rounded 'r' sound in the second syllable. "Current" is pronounced /kʌrənt/ with a short 'u' sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second. When said together, the stress falls on the first syllable of "current" and the final 'r' of "were" is linked to the first syllable of "current," resulting in a smooth transition between the words.
"were current" is a phrase used to describe something that was prevailing or commonly accepted during a particular period or time frame. It refers to ideas, beliefs, or practices that were widespread or in vogue within a specific context or society.
The term "were current" suggests that the subject being described was in active circulation or circulation during a particular era, as if it was flowing through the common consciousness or being actively discussed and used by individuals. This phrase can be applied to a range of topics such as popular opinions, fashion trends, slang terms, scientific theories, historical events, or cultural practices that were prevalent during a certain time.
For example, if we say that certain philosophies were current during the Enlightenment period, it means that these intellectual concepts were widely accepted and influential in the society of that time. Similarly, if we say that particular fashion styles were current in the 1960s, it implies that those styles were popular and widely worn during that era.
Overall, "were current" is a descriptive phrase used to convey the prevalent nature or popular status of something within a specific time period. It indicates that the subject was widely known, accepted, or utilized during that particular phase, reinforcing its significance or influence within the scope of that era.